MLB4 hours ago1 minute read

White Sox Sweep Astros to Clinch First Playoff Series Win Since 2005

The Chicago White Sox swept the Houston Astros with a 7-3 win on Wednesday, securing their first postseason series victory in nearly two decades.

The EagleEyeOdds deskWritten from the match data, checked against our model before it goes out

Chicago Makes History in Houston

The Chicago White Sox are moving on. Chicago secured a 7-3 victory over the Houston Astros on Wednesday, completing a sweep of their AL Wild Card Series. This marks the first time the White Sox have won a postseason series since they beat Houston in the 2005 World Series.

It is a historic turnaround for a franchise that struggled heavily in recent years. The White Sox lost 100 games in each of their past three seasons. They are now the only team in major league history to reach the playoffs immediately after three consecutive 100-loss seasons.

Early Runs and Strong Offense

Chicago did not waste any time getting on the scoreboard. They jumped on Houston ace Hunter Brown for four runs in the very first inning. This early offensive explosion followed their Game 1 formula, where they scored three runs in the first two innings of a 6-3 victory.

Chase Meidroth delivered the biggest blow of the game with a three-run home run. Meanwhile, the Astros defense struggled, committing two errors in the opening frame. Brown, who entered the game with a 6-0 record and a 2.39 ERA in six career starts against Chicago, was pulled after recording just two outs.

On to Cleveland

Second-year manager Will Venable, who received a letter of support from Pope Leo, has guided his team into the next round. The White Sox will now travel to face the AL Central champion Cleveland Guardians.

That AL Division Series is scheduled to begin on Saturday in Cleveland. Chicago will look to carry their momentum from this sweep into the next round.

What it means for the next game

Chicago White Sox at Houston Astros (MLB, Thu, 01 Oct): Houston Astros win 43%, Chicago White Sox win 57%; projected score Houston Astros 4, Chicago White Sox 5. Our safest pick: Under 11.5 runs.

Chicago White Sox at Cleveland Guardians (MLB, Sat, 03 Oct): Cleveland Guardians win 47%, Chicago White Sox win 53%; projected score Cleveland Guardians 5, Chicago White Sox 5. Our safest pick: White Sox +2.5.